A newly identified bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, with potential risks for human infection, has been discovered in China. Led by virologist Shi Zhengli, the research indicates similarities between this virus and SARS-CoV-2. Experts note considerable immunity among humans may reduce pandemic risks, but further studies are needed to ascertain its zoonotic potential.
A newly identified bat coronavirus, referred to as HKU5-CoV-2, has emerged in China, exhibiting potential risks of transitioning from animals to humans, akin to the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. This discovery has been reported by the South China Morning Post, detailing a research team led by renowned virologist Shi Zhengli, popularly recognized as “Batwoman” for her extensive studies on coronaviruses. The Wuhan Institute of Virology, where this research took place, has frequently been the center of speculation regarding the origins of COVID-19, amid ongoing denials by China of any lab-related incident.
HKU5-CoV-2 is classified under the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the pathogen responsible for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The research team discovered that this new virus can bind to human ACE2 receptors, demonstrating similarities with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus leading to COVID-19) and NL63, a virus commonly associated with the common cold. In laboratory assessments, HKU5-CoV-2 successfully infected human cell cultures cultivated in simulated mini-human organ models.
The study highlighted the zoonotic risk posed by bat merbecoviruses, particularly relating to their potential transmission mechanisms to humans, either directly or via intermediate hosts. “Bat merbecoviruses, which are phylogenetically related to MERS-CoV, pose a high risk of spillover to humans, either through direct transmission or facilitated by intermediate hosts,” as reported by Newsweek. However, the researchers acknowledged that the extent of the risk for this virus to transition to humans necessitates further investigation.
In their findings, the research team noted, “Structural and functional analyses indicate that HKU5-CoV-2 has a better adaptation to human ACE2 than lineage 1 HKU5-CoV,” emphasizing its potential for efficient human infection. They concluded that this particular lineage of HKU5-CoVs in bats represents a concerning zoonotic threat, though it remains uncertain whether this discovery will cause any health repercussions among humans.
Addressing concerns about a potential new pandemic stemming from this virus, Dr. Michael Osterholm, a respected infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota, described public reactions as “overblown.” He remarked that there exists substantial pre-existing immunity within the population towards similar viruses, which may considerably mitigate any pandemic risk scenarios. Notably, the study itself reported that HKU5-CoV-2 has significantly lower binding affinities to human ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV-2, alongside various suboptimal adaptation factors that suggest an exaggerated concern over its emergence within human populations is unwarranted.
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2, a new bat coronavirus, raises critical concerns about the potential for animal-to-human transmission. While similarities with SARS-CoV-2 exist, experts suggest that the current risk of a pandemic is low due to existing immunity and the virus’s relatively lesser adaptation to humans. Ongoing research is vital to fully understand the implications of this finding.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
